Raymond J. "Dutch" Roembke, Sr.
September 25, 1927 ~ March 1, 2018
Raymond J. “Dutch” Roembke, Sr., 90, of Indianapolis, passed away Thursday, March 1, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving family. One of 11 children born to William and Anna (Sauer) Roembke, Dutch was born in Indianapolis on September 25, 1927. On September 10, 1949 he was united in marriage to his loving wife, Rosemary “Posey” (Sullivan) Roembke and she preceded him in death on June 27, 2004.
Dutch proudly served his country as a paratrooper in the United States Army from 1945 until 1947. After serving in the Army he worked in production at Eli Lilly & Company for several years. Best known as “Dutch the Milk Man,” he was an independent distributor for Mutual Milk and Golden Guernsey milk companies for many years. Dutch also owned and operated the Baskin-Robbins at 46th and Arlington and at the Meadows Shopping Center for over 17 years; he retired 1988. After retiring, he was a courtesy driver for ATA for several years.
A devout Catholic, Dutch was a member of St. Roch Catholic Church. He was a Past Grand Knight and founding member of the Knights of Columbus, Monsignor Downey Council #3660 and was also a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Bishop Chatard Assembly #245. He served the CYO as a coach for many years and was a recipient of the St. John Bosco Award.
Along with his parents and wife, Posey, Dutch was also preceded in death by nine of his siblings.
Survivors include his son, Raymond J. (Cathy) Roembke, Jr. of Bargersville; six daughters, Jan (Gary) Crist of Greenwood, Barb Roembke of Indianapolis, Claire Roembke of Indianapolis, Rosie (Paul) Looney of Indianapolis, Kathy (Ron) Broughton of Indianapolis, and Karen Morgan of Indianapolis; his sister, Tess Springman of Indianapolis; 13 grandchildren, Jason, Nick, Megan, Betsy, Sarah, Joey, Doug, Greg, Emily, Alyssa, Amy, Tyler, and Mallory; and 14 great grandchildren.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate the life of Dutch Roembke from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, March 5, 2018 in the Daniel F. O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis. Morning prayers will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at the funeral home followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday at St. Roch Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial donations to A Real Hope For CDH at tinyhero.org or St. Roch Catholic Church. Visit www.OrileyFuneralHome.com where you may express online condolences to Dutch’s family.
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He was a real Sweetheart! My Dad’s Godson.
To all Dutch’s children we send our prayers and thoughts.
I have very fond memories of Uncle Dutch coming by Grandma’s house for lunch with the brothers while I would visit during the summer.
Dutch always greeted me with a smile as he said my name and presented me my own glass jug of chocolate milk or grape juice.
Uncle Dutch always made me feel special, especially because I looked to him as a bigger than life – fun guy. Also partly because Grandma kept that neat ol football Heismen like wooden trophy of Dutch – straight arm out – running with the ball in her china cabinet.
Thanks Dutch for the kind and special memories.
Dutch, Mr. Roembke , was a great encouragement to all girls in sports, long before girl’s were allowed to play competively out side of CYO activities. 'Thank God for your abilitues, but just remember, your whole body is a mitt. STOP the ball.'
He was always appreciated, always had a smile and a gleam in his eye, and will be missed but not forgotten. Prayers to all in the family.
Mary Ann Jansen Arnold
Uncle Dutch was a wonderful man. I know in my heart he is in heaven with the love of his life Aunt Pose. I was lucky to have known him and have such fond memories of seeing him often at Grandma Roembke’s house when I would stay with her. He truly was a role model in every sense of the word. All my love and prayers to all the family.
Donna Franz
Claire…how blessed you are to be Dutch and Posey’s daughter….to carry memories safely sealed forever in your heart. Tears of sorrow and grief for this moment of loss..soothed by a memory of laughter and joy because you will always be Dutch’s little girl.
Love Lana Miller
Claire,
You are indeed fortunate to be the proud daughter of Dutch Roembke who served his country, community and family with sincerity and dedication. You have with you his precious life and rich memories to cherish.
With warmest regards
Mirza Ali
Uncle Dutch was a very nice man. I had the opportunity to speak with him at our family reunion a couple of years ago about my dad Chuck Roembke. My dad was Orville Roembke’s son. Uncle Dutch spoke of him very kindly and they coached football together. I was very great full that he gave me so much information about my dad. May God Bless his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Melissa Roembke
Prayers and Condolences from Melissa A Roembke, Charles William Roembke Jr, Patricia A Clark and family.
You have my deepest Sympathy. Dutch was a great Milkman and Coach to me. I greatly appreciate the things he did for me. Pat Jardina Fort Myers, FL contact me at pjardina@att.net. I would love to hear from you